Robson’s Way, which is on an estate built in 2009, was today busy with police and firefighters as the investigation gathered pace.

Detectives carried out door-to-door inquiries as forensics officers worked inside the property, along with investigators from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. Meanwhile police were searching through rubbish in nearby wheelie bins.

Police check bins near the scene of a fatal fire on Robson's Way in Birtley (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Dean Watson, who lives three doors down, told the Chronicle the incident had left neighbours frightened.

The 47-year-old dad-of-two said: “It’s absolutely shocking. This is a quiet neighbourhood and that’s a big detached house and it’s gone up in flames. It’s been a shock to everyone. Everybody is nervous because they don’t know what’s gone on.”

The Chronicle understands detectives were awaiting the results of a post mortem examination to discover exactly how the woman died.

And Northumbria Police is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Police at the scene of a fatal fire on Robsons Way in Birtley (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Detective Inspector Paul Waugh is leading the investigation.

He said: “Since the incident, we have established a cordon and carried out a number of house-to-house inquiries.

“There will be further police activity in the area and extra officers in the area to offer reassurance to anyone with concerns.

“If anyone did see anything suspicious last night, or has information that may be useful to police, please get in touch.”